Labeling China as a strategic competitor reflects a growing anxiety about China’s rise, and the U.S. is faced with a historic choice of confronting China or working with China, argues veteran Chinese diplomat He Yafei.

Sampson OppedisanoExecutive Assistant to the Dean, The Milano School of International Affairs, Management and Urban Policy

Feb 15 , 2017

Donald Trump is a new type of political phenomena that has caught the world off guard. His unpredictability and lack of experience set the stage for a perfect storm of wild-card events that will almost certainly be an early theme during his presidency. While it is China’s decision how it reacts to Trump, tact and precision will be Beijing’s greatest defense in not only ensuring that relations with the U.S. do not deteriorate further, but in safeguarding key aspects of the current international system.

China’s role in global governance rests ultimately on its achievements in domestic governance: A government that is capable of effectively managing a country of 1.3 billion will certainly set an example for others to follow. By pursuing step-by-step reform of the system, rather than destroying it and replacing it with a brand-new one, and by providing continuity in the globalization process, China can help the world avoid pitfalls of the past.

Mr. Xi brings Davos a message of pluralism, as opposed to the universalism most of his audience has preached. He is no Davos Man. But perhaps this is just what globalization needs. Before it can be restarted, it needs a reset.

Given their economic and geographic proximity to China, Southeast Asian countries are beginning to warm up to the Chinese renminbi. At this stage, however, it would be premature for Southeast Asian governments to do much more than they have already done.

As China continues to play a more prominent role in the international community, businesses must adapt to changes in an increasingly connected, globalized world. To do so, a greater understanding of China’s history, culture and language are necessary.